The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod), Dr. Randy Abbey, has reaffirmed his commitment to addressing challenges within the cocoa sector while also supporting community development.
Leading a delegation from Cocobod, Dr. Randy Abbey paid a courtesy call on the Gbese Mantse, Nii Ayi Bonte II, where he pledged to contribute to the development of the Gbese community, particularly in the area of education.
His promise aims to ensure that individuals from the community receive quality education and contribute meaningfully to national progress.
Beyond his pledge to the community, the Cocobod CEO also assured that he is focused on resolving key issues facing the cocoa sector, including tackling the organization’s debt burden.
Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson during the 2025 budget presentation disclosed that COCOBOD’s outstanding debt stands at GH¢32 billion while in subsequent interviews with Bernard Avle on the Point of View on Channel One TV tasked Dr. Randy Abbey to a develop strategy to clear the debt.
Speaking after leading a COCOBOD delegation on a courtesy call to the Gbese Mantse, Dr. Abbey outlined his vision to reform and reposition the institution for long-term sustainability.
“We have come to Cocobod at a time when things are difficult. I am sure you have heard about the debts. The President mentioned them in the State of the Nation Address, and the Finance Minister also spoke about them. I always say that if you are chosen as a leader and you are a Christian, you must read the Bible regularly. However, there is one book you should avoid opening which is the Book of Lamentations.
“We have been appointed to this role, and this is the situation we find ourselves in. Our President and leaders believe that, regardless of how dire the situation is, we have the ability to address and fix it,” Dr. Randy Abbey said while courting the support and guidance of the Gbese Mantse.
Meanwhile, Gbese Mantse Nii Ayi Bonte II has expressed confidence in Dr. Abbey’s leadership, stating that he believes the CEO has the capacity to deliver on his mandate.
“I have known Dr. Randy Abbey as a highly focused individual, and I am confident that he will fulfill his mandate. All we need to do is pray for blessings and long life for him and his team so that their efforts will bring positive results. No misfortune will come their way. They will work diligently, and their efforts will be appreciated by Ghanaians,” he said.